Wind generator with energy enhancer element for providing energy during periods of no wind and low wind conditions

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a new and novel wind generator system particularly suitable for small wind applications that harnesses low velocity wind effectively. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the wind generator system comprises a drive shaft; one or more retreating blades and one or more advancing blades attached to the drive shaft and extending radially outwardly therefrom; a generator assembly coupled to the drive shaft and effective for generating electrical power; and a housing having an inner chamber for receiving the blades and a wind directional apparatus that operates to adjust the speed of the wind and to channel wind along a desired flow pathway towards the one or more of the retreating blades and blocks airflow from impinging on one or more advancing blades.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION

This is a divisional application of and claims benefit of U.S.Continuation-In-Part patent application Ser. No. 12/928,827 filed Dec.20, 2012, which claims benefit to U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/810,401 filed Jun. 5, 2007 (U.S. Pat. No. 7,880,323 issued Feb. 1,2011) that claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 60/812,466 filed Jun. 10, 2006 and to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/850,613 filed Oct. 10, 2006.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to power generation and, moreparticularly, to wind generator systems effective for generatingelectric power during no wind and low wind conditions and in urban orbuilt environments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years the need for alternative sources of electrical energyhas grown significantly as a result of increased and uncertainty in oilprices, growing environmental concerns, and the lack of sufficientalternative energy supplies. Accordingly, wind generator systems havegained support as an alternate energy source. Wind generators have beenshown to provide a safe and clean source of electric power. Systems,such as large or big wind generators, have been developed having largeblades (often more that 18 feet in length) mounted on high towers thatcan produce more than 35 kilowatts (kW) of power with wind speeds of 20knots. Such systems are typically used in combination with other windgenerators, such as along coastal areas for providing electrical powerdirectly to power grids. Such systems have also been used in ruralareas, such as farms, for providing supplemental power or reducingelectrical costs.

Small wind generators mounted on smaller towers have also been developedfor use such as for residential application and have been used as remoteor distributed power sources. Such systems are often connected to themain electric service to the home thereby allowing sufficient poweringof the home and for sending excess power generated by the wind generatorback to the power grid. Typically, theses small wind generators rotateat speeds that vary with wind speed and have a plurality of blades thatdrive a rotor coupled to a gearbox that operates to increase therotation speed of a generator for producing electric power.

In order to reduce maintenance and increase efficiency, systems havebeen developed having relatively large synchronous ring generators thatpermit the rotor to be directly coupled to the generator without theneed of a gearbox. Unfortunately, while such systems have reducedmaintenance costs and have increased the efficiency of the systems, windgenerator systems continue to suffer from relatively significantmaintenance costs. Further, forces being exerted to the systems due towind increase in proportion to the cube of wind speed. Accordingly, highwind speeds often encountered by small wind generator systems, even ifonly occasional or momentary, can damage system components. This isparticularly true for wind generators having relatively large bladessuch as typically required for small wind generators that depend on therelatively large blades to harvest lower-energy winds. Thus, small windgenerator systems are typically designed having means for preventingsystem damage due to such high speed winds. Such means include bladepitching, airfoil spoilers, blade tip breaks, and the like. Means suchas braking means or means that act upon the entire blade apparatusrather than on individual blades have also been developed.Unfortunately, all such means significantly add to the complexity andexpense of the wind generator systems and significantly add to theirmaintenance down time and costs. In addition, systems having such meanstypically require routine maintenance which significantly increasestheir operating costs. This is particularly true when parts orcomponents must be repaired or replaced which often requires significantrebuild or major dismantling of the system to replace a component.Further, during operation, such means often result in significant powerdrops or the cessation of power generation during such high windconditions.

Another problem associated with small wind generators is that they areoften acoustically noisy and are undesirable for many residentialapplications. Further, small or low wind generator systems for mountingto building structures are generally not aesthetically pleasing, oftenrequire extensive building modifications, and are prohibited under manybuilding codes.

Accordingly, due to the complexity of many wind generators used in smallwind or distributed power the need for a simple modular and easy tomaintain generator is significant in not just reducing cost to theconsumer but in the cost of manufacture and maintenance.

Consequently, a need exists for a small wind generating system that hasreduced cyclic cost, increased reliability and improved maintenanceneeds and costs, that is acoustically and aesthetically acceptable forresidential operation, and which is relatively inexpensive tomanufacture and install.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a new and novel wind generator systemparticularly suitable for small wind applications that harnesses lowvelocity wind effectively. In a preferred embodiment of the invention,the wind generator system comprises a drive shaft; a plurality of bladesattached to the drive shaft and extending radially outwardly therefrom;a generator assembly coupled to the drive shaft and effective forgenerating electrical power; and a housing having an inner chamber forreceiving the plurality of blades and a wind directional apparatus thatoperates to adjust the speed of the wind and to channel wind along adesired flow pathway towards the plurality of blades.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the wind generatorsystem comprises means for sensing the direction and speed of wind atthe location of the housing.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the wind generatorsystem comprises sensing means for monitoring the electrical poweroutput of the wind generator system.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the wind generatorsystem comprises sensing means for monitoring the operational efficiencyand condition of the wind generator system.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the wind generatorsystem comprises a communication and control means coupled to thesensing means whereby the communication and control means cancommunicate with an outside monitoring system.

in another preferred embodiment of the invention the communication andcontrol means of one wind generator system can communicate with thecommunication and control means of another wind generator system.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the blades comprise anaerodynamic adjustment element for adjusting the aerodynamiccharacteristic of the blades.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the aerodynamic elementis a thin film material.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the aerodynamic elementis a metallic composite coating.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the aerodynamic elementis formed from a shaped memory material or a functional material.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the shaped memory alloyis Nitinol.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the wind generatorincludes an energy enhancer element comprising a spindle assembly havinga loop coupled to the drive shaft; and means for creating a temperaturedifferential along a portion of the loop; wherein the loop is effectivefor increasing the rotational speed of the drive shaft when acted uponby the means for creating a temperature differential along a portion ofthe loop.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the energy enhancerelement having a loop comprising a wire or band formed from a shapedmemory material or a functional material.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the loop is formed froma shaped memory alloy.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the blades comprise aphotovoltaic substrate operable for generating electrical power.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the photovoltaicsubstrate operates in response to infrared light.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the wind directionalapparatus comprises a plurality of rotatable slats.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention, a wind generator systemcomprises at least two stages of blades mounted to a drive shaft; eachstage having at least one blade attached thereto and extending radiallyoutwardly therefrom; a generator assembly coupled to the drive shaft andeffective for generating electrical power; and a housing having an innerchamber for receiving each stage of at least one blade and a winddirectional apparatus that operates to adjust airflow and to channel thewind along a desired flow pathway towards each of at least one blade.

In another preferred embodiment the wind generator system comprisesrotatable slats having images thereon that change when the slats rotate.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the housing includes arotatable base that operates to rotate the wind generator system tooptimize power generation.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the individualcomponents of the wind generator system are grouped into individualmodules that can be easily installed or removed into the wind generatorsystem.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the housing of the windgenerator system can be incorporated into a structure.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the wind generatorsystem comprises a wire or band formed from a shaped memory material ora functional material and effective for increasing the rotational speedof the drive shaft.

In another preferred embodiment of invention the wind generator systemcomprises and energy storage system.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the energy storagesystem is a hydraulic or pressurized fluid storage system.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the energy storagesystem is a bellows storage system.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the energy storagesystem is a combination of hydraulic and bellows storage systems.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the energy storagesystem is a combination storage system comprising hydraulic, bellows andbattery storage systems.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To provide a more complete understanding of the present invention andfurther features and advantages thereof, reference is now made to thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a portion of the wind generatorsystem of the subject invention showing an end view of blades mounted toa drive shaft;

FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic partially exploded illustration of thewind generator system showing blades mounted to a drive shaft andenclosed within a housing;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration showing wind being directed by thewind directional apparatus that operates to adjust wind speed and tochannel wind into the housing through one or more of the openings, alonga desired flow pathway towards the blades, and out of the housingthrough one or more of the openings;

FIG. 4 is an schematic illustration showing the wind speed and directionsensor electrically coupled to a control apparatus having amicroprocessor for receiving signals from the wind speed and directionsensor that determines and provides signals to a wind directionalapparatus for directing airflow along a desired pathway to properlyimpinge the blades;

FIG. 5 is a top schematic view illustration showing blades having anaerodynamic adjustment element thereon that operates to increase ordecrease the camber of the blades;

FIG. 6 is a side view illustration showing a portion of a drive shaftand a blade attached thereto and showing a blade being acted upon by theaerodynamic adjustment element of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration showing blades having an aerodynamicadjustment element comprising a thin film material applied to a portionof one side of each blade;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration showing the interaction between ablade control unit and a resistant circuit for heating of the filmmaterial of FIG. 7 to cause the bending of the blade to increase ordecrease its camber thereby adjusting its aerodynamic characteristic;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration showing another preferred embodimentof a blade control unit for properly adjusting of the aerodynamiccharacteristic of the blades comprising a neural network;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration showing blades having a piezoelectric material coating applied to one or both sides of the blades;

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration showing blades having both anaerodynamic adjustment element and a piezo electric material coatingapplied thereto;

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration showing a performance monitor formonitoring the performance and efficiency of the wind generator system;

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration showing a wind generator systemattached to a structure, such as the roof of a building;

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration showing another preferred embodimentof the invention showing the wind generator system comprising aplurality of aligned or stacked blades mounted to a drive shaft;

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of the wind generator system of FIG.14 showing the blades and shaft within a housing;

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration showing another preferred embodimentof the invention showing a plurality of aligned or stacked blade stagesenclosed within a housing having a wind intake ramp;

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration showing a top view of the windgenerator system of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of the wind generator system of FIG.16 showing wind exhaust openings;

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of the windgenerator system having a housing comprising stands, rack mountingstructures for equipment, and the like;

FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of another preferred embodiment ofthe invention showing an energy enhancer element for increasing therotation of the drive Shaft;

FIG. 21 is a schematic illustration showing the top view of the energyenhancer element of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration of another preferred embodiment ofthe wind generator system having an energy storage system comprising abellows system;

FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration of another preferred embodiment ofthe wind generator system having another preferred embodiment of anenergy storage system comprising a pressurized fluid storage system;

FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of the energyenhancer element of FIG. 20, the energy enhancer element is in the formof a canister having a housing with a spindle assembly with a rotatingwire or band formed from a memory shaped material adapted to drive apower activated device;

FIG. 25 is a schematic illustration of the energy enhancer element ofFIG. 24 having a plurality of wires or bands creating a continuous loopformed from a memory shaped material;

FIG. 26 is a schematic illustration of an exemplarily illustrationshowing the energy enhancement element of FIG. 24 or FIG. 25 mounted toa wheel assembly adapted to drive a power activated device such as awheel;

FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of another exemplarily illustrationshowing the energy enhancement element of FIG. 24 or FIG. 25 adapted todrive a power activated device such as those utilized for satelliteoperations;

FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of the energy enhancement element ofFIG. 24 coupled to a servo mechanism for operating a power activateddevice;

FIG. 29 is a schematic illustration of the energy enhancement element ofFIG. 27 showing a solar radiation heat source.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to low or small wind generator systems. Indescribing the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in thedrawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake ofclarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to thespecific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that eachspecific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in asimilar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the wind generatorsystem, generally referred to as 100, is shown comprising a drive shaft102 and one or more retreating blades 104 a and one or more advancingblades 104 b attached to and extending radially outwardly from the driveshaft 102. The drive shaft 102 is operationally coupled to a generatorassembly 106 which operates to generate electrical power when actuatedby rotation of the drive shaft 102. It should be understood that as usedherein the term “generator” includes alternators. In a preferredembodiment as shown, the drive shaft 102 and blades 104 are enclosedwithin an inner chamber 108 of a housing 110. The housing 110 comprisesa frame 112 having openings 114 wherein preferably each opening 114 hasa wind directional apparatus 116 that operates to adjust wind speed andto channel wind W (FIG. 3) into the housing through one or more of theopenings 114, which operate as air intakes that direct wind along adesired flow pathway towards the retreating blades 104 a, and out of thehousing 110 through one or more of the openings 114 that operate as windexhausts. Preferably, the housing 110 is generally rectangular in shapehaving a top or roof 118, a base 120, and vertical sides 122.Preferably, at least one opening 112 is provided on each vertical side122. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the wind directionalapparatus 116 comprises a plurality of rotatable slats or louvers 124that are operationally coupled to control rails 126 that are operated byone or more electric motor and horizontal control units 128 for rotatingthe slats 124 such as use of conventional bell cranks. It should beunderstood that the housing 110 is not limited to being rectangular inshape but may have a variety of geometries having various number ofvertical sides. For an exemplainary illustration, the housing can beformed in the shape of a pentagon. Mounted to the housing 110 is a windspeed and direction sensor or anemometer 130 that operates to detect andmeasure wind speed and direction at the location of the wind generatorsystem 100. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the wind speed and directionsensor 130 is electrically coupled, such as by wire or by a wirelesstransmitter 131 (FIG. 2), such as shown, to a control apparatus 132having a microprocessor 133 that receives signals from the wind speedand direction sensor 130 which then operates to determine and providesignals to the electric motor and control units 128 to rotate aplurality of the slats 124 into an open position for directing airflow(wind) along a desired pathway to properly impinge the retreating blades104 a and to close a plurality of the slats 124 into a closed positionto prevent airflow (wind) from impinging upon advancing blades 104 b.The control apparatus 132 further operates to provide signals to theelectric motor and control units to rotate all of the slats 124 alongthe opposing vertical side 122 into an open position for allowing theairflow (wind) to exit the housing 110. It should now be apparent thatby opening the slats 124 as described allows airflow (wind) to impingeon the retreating blades 104 a to rotate the drive shaft 122 whileminimizing the counter forces created by the airflow (wind) caused byimpingement of the wind on the advancing blades 104 b as well ascreating a low pressure or suction that further pulls or draws theadvancing blades 104 b in the desired direction thereby increasing theoperation and performance of the wind generator.

Referring to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the blades 104 a, 104 bis shown. Preferably each blade has a relatively large surface area Aeffective for harvesting lower-energy (low wind speed) wind beingdirected to the blades. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, another preferredembodiment of the blades 104 a, 104 b is shown whereby the bladesinclude an aerodynamic adjustment element 134 (FIGS. 7 and 8) foradjusting the aerodynamic characteristic of each of the blades. In apreferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the aerodynamic adjustmentelement 134 comprises a thin film material or wire 136, such as a shapedmemory material or functional material, that operates to increase ordecrease the camber of the blades 104 a, 104 b (as shown in FIGS. 5 and6) for adjusting the aerodynamic characteristic of the blade under avariety of wind speeds. It is known that simple contraction of certainthin film materials can be accomplished such as by running electricalcurrent through a functional material such as carbon fibers on apolyimide sheet. In a preferred embodiment, the thin film material 136is formed from a shaped memory material, such as Nitinol (NiTi) which isa shaped memory alloy having nearly equivalent amounts of nickel andtitanium. The physical and mechanical properties of a shaped memorymaterial, such as Nitinol are dependent on its crystalline structure.For example, the Nitinol crystal structure is very dynamic and highlyheat sensitive and when it is deformed in the martensite phase, thecrystalline structure is not damaged. Instead the crystal structuretransforms moving in a singular crystalline direction. When heated thematerial returns to the memory or austenite phase, to a state of lessstress. The austenite phase is the phase above transition temperature.The transition temperature will vary according to the materialcomposition. Most Nitinol alloys, for example, have transitiontemperatures between 70-130° C. with tensile strength 100,000 psi,melting point of 1,250° C., and resistance 1.25 ohms per inch/0.006 inchwire. In a preferred embodiment, the particular Nitinol alloy found tobe suitable is known as FLEXINOL, commercially available by DynalloyInc. of Costa Mesa, Calif.

Preferably, as stated above, the aerodynamic adjustment element 134 maybe in the form of an embedded wire, thin film or a metallic coating.Referring to FIG. 7, in a preferred embodiment the aerodynamicadjustment element 134 is shown as a thin film material 136, such as aNitinol, applied to a portion of one side of each blade 104 a, 104 b. Asshown, the blade is in its normal operating configuration. Upon heatingof the thin film material 136, or an embedded wire, such as byapplication of electric current through a resistant circuit 140 (FIG. 8)within or along the thin film material 136, the thin film material 136contracts, as described above, causing the bending of the blade 104 a,104 b to increase or decrease its camber thereby adjusting itsaerodynamic characteristic (FIGS. 5 and 6). Referring to FIG. 8, inorder to control the amount of current through the resistant circuit 140for properly adjusting the aerodynamic characteristic of the blade, thewing generator system 100 further comprises a blade control unit 142. Ina preferred embodiment, the blade control unit 142 includes a fuzzylogic microprocessor or controller 144 that receives wind speed inputfrom the wind speed and direction sensor or anemometer 130 and uses suchinformation for controlling the amount of electric current, thusheating, or allowing the thin film material 136 (or embedded wire)formed from the shape memory alloy to expand or contract to bend andplace the blade 104 a, 104 b into a desired aerodynamic configuration.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG.9, the blade control unit 142 for properly adjusting of the aerodynamiccharacteristic of the blades 104 a, 104 b is a neural network (orparallel distributed processing elements (often referred to as nodes,neurons, processing elements, unites)) that work together to control theproper electric current to the resistant circuit 140. It should beunderstood that the artificial neural network (functional structure) isdeposited or embedded onto the surface of the blades 104 a, 104 b andoperates for information processing and aerodynamic geometry control ofthe blades. Referring to FIG. 8, the methodology of the blade controlunit is shown whereby signals generated by the wind speed and directionsensor 130 are inputted into the blade control unit 142.

Referring to FIG. 10, another preferred embodiment of the invention isshown whereby the blades 104 a, 104 b have a light activatedphotovoltanic film or nanofilm 144 applied to one or both sides of theblades. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, one or moreportions of the housing 110 (FIG. 2) may be provided with such a lightactivated photovoltanic film or nanofilm (not shown). Preferably, thephotovoltanic films or nanofilms are activated by light in the infraredrange. One such nanofilm film has been developed at the University ofToronto having cells of approximately 4 nm and is photoactive in theinfrared range of the light spectrum. Using films that are activated byinfrared light permits higher power output with less solar radiation,such as during a cloudy day, than with standard untraviolet (UV)photovoltaic systems. In another preferred embodiment the blades 104 a,104 b or housing 110 (FIG. 2) may comprise piezo electric materialcoatings to augment power generation of the wind generator system aswell as providing wind speed information by measuring the dynamicpressure of the wind against the surface of the blade.

In another preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the blades104 a, 104 b comprises both the aerodynamic adjustment element 124 andthe photovoltanic film 144, as described above.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 12,the wind generator system 100 comprises a performance monitor 148 formonitoring the performance and efficiency of the wind generator system100 Preferably, the performance monitor 148 comprises a microprocessor150 effective for receiving signals from the wind speed and directionsensor 130 as well as receiving signals from other component sensors 149effective for transmitting information from the components comprisingthe wind generator system 100. In a preferred embodiment, theperformance monitor 148 operates to monitor the electrical power outputof the wind generator system 100. In another preferred embodiment, theperformance monitor 148 comprises a sensor 152 positioned on one or moreof the rotatable slats or louvers 124 of housing 110 and operates tosense the actual rotational movement of the slat or louver 124 (FIG. 2).Such information can then be analyzed by the microprocessor 150 todetermine if the proper rotational movement of the slat or louver 124 isbeing performed. It should now be understood that other sensors can beutilized for providing signals to the microprocessor 150 that can beutilized by the microprocessor for determining the efficiency orperformance of the various operational components comprising the windgenerator system 100.

In another preferred embodiment, the microprocessor 150 can operate tomonitor the total power output of the wind generator system 100 to therotational speed of the blades to determine the health and operationperformance of the system 100. For an exemplary illustration, if thepower output being generated by the wind generator system is below thelevel typically generated for the particular wind speed, the systemcomponents can be evaluated to determine which particular component isnot operating efficiently and the component can be replaced therebybringing the system efficiency back to its typical level. It should beunderstood that additional conventional sensors can be incorporated intothe wind generator system to monitor the operational efficiency ofvarious components and monitored by the microprocessor. Further, itshould now be understood that the microprocessor can be coupled to aconventional transmitter (such as a wireless radio transmitter, theInternet, or other communication system) for transmitting operationaldata to a remote monitoring device. In this way, individual systems canbe monitored as well as for use in obtaining information for use inmaintenance and in determining the need for performance enhancementmodifications.

Referring to FIG. 13, one or more wind generator systems 100 are shownmounted to a structure S, such as a wall, roof, platform, or the likeand are can also be incorporated architecturally into the structure S.In addition, as should now be understood, that the wind generator system100 having a housing 110 described above reduces operational noiselevels and reduces the likelihood of injury to wildlife, such as birds.As shown, wind W, is blowing in a first direction, the wind speed anddirection is monitored and sensed using the wind speed and directionsensor 130 (FIG. 2). The wind speed and direction sensor 130 transmits asignal to the control apparatus 132 such that the microprocessor 133(FIG. 4) receives the signal and determines and provides signals to theelectric motor and control units 128 to rotate the slats 124 a to thedesired position for directing airflow along a desired pathway toproperly impinge the retreating blades 104 a (FIG. 2) and for blockingthe wind W from impinging upon the advancing blades 104 b. It should nowbe apparent that if the wind speed and direction sensor 130 detects windspeed or a wind gust greater than the safe or operational wind speed forthe particular wind generator system the system operates such that theslats 124 will rotate to slow down and/or redirect the wind so that thevelocity of the wind is within acceptable operating parameters. Itshould also be apparent that in another preferred embodiment of theinvention the aerodynamic adjustment element 134 (FIGS. 7, 8 and 9) canbe used to adjust the aerodynamic characteristics of the blades to allowthem to accommodate the high wind speed. It should be apparent thatunlike many prior art systems, the wind generator system of the subjectapplication can operate under a variety of wind conditions from smallwind to high wind conditions without the need of mechanical breakingsystems or gearing systems.

Referring to FIG. 14, another preferred embodiment of the invention isshown whereby the wind generator system comprises a single drive shaft202 or a series of shafts mounted together such as by couplings 208, asshown, and a one or more stages of blades 203, each stage 203 having oneor more blades 204 (retreating blades 204 a and advancing blades 204 b)attached to and extend radially outwardly from the drive shaft 202. Itshould be understood that the blade stages can be arranged in ahorizontal or vertical arrangement. The drive shaft 202 is operationallycoupled to a generator assembly 206 or a plurality of generatorassemblies 206 (as shown) which operate to generate electrical powerwhen actuated by rotation of the drive shaft 202. Preferably, the driveshaft 202 is formed from a light aircraft grade rolled or extrudedaluminum and is tubular having an inner channel 203 that provides achase for allowing a power bus, control cables and the like to travel tothe various stages, controls, and actuators and other similar electronicdevices. The drive shaft 202 is supported by a frame 205 and one or morebearing assemblies 207. It should be understood that the individualstages can be modular and assembled together by use of a rotatingcoupling placed in series of the individual stages, as shown. It shouldalso be understood that the individual generators can be mounted inseries to the drive shaft or the drive shaft can be coupled to a singlegenerator.

In another preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the driveshaft 202 and blades 204 are enclosed within a housing 210. Referring toFIG. 15, as shown the housing 210 comprises a frame 212 having openings214 wherein each opening 214 has a wind directional apparatus 216 thatoperates to adjust wind speed and to channel the wind W (FIG. 5) intoalong a desired flow pathway towards the plurality of advancing blades204 a and for blocking the wind W from impinging on the advancing blades204 b. Preferably, the housing 210 is generally rectangular in shapehaving a top or roof 218 and base 220, and vertical sides 222.Preferably, at least one opening 214 is provided on each vertical side222. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the wind directionalapparatus 216 comprises a plurality of rotatable slats or louvers 224that are operationally coupled to control rails 226 that are operated byone or more electric motor and control units 228 for rotating the slats224. It should be understood that the housing 210 is not limited tobeing rectangular in shape but may have a variety of geometries havingvarious number of vertical sides. For an exemplary illustration, thehousing can be formed in the shape of a pentagon. Mounted to the housing210 is a wind speed and direction sensor or anemometer 230 that operatesto detect and measure wind speed and direction. As previously described,the wind speed and direction sensor 230 is electrically coupled to acontrol apparatus having a microprocessor that receives signals from thewind speed and direction sensor 230 which then determines and providessignals to the electric motor and control units 228 to rotate the slats224 to the desired position for directing airflow along a desiredpathway to properly impinge the retreating blades 204 a and to block thewind (airflow) from impinging the advancing blades 204 b.

In another preferred embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 16, 17 and 18, aplurality of blade stages 203 connected together by a common drive shaft202 are enclosed within a housing 210 having supports 211 and which isrotatably mounted such that the housing can rotate in response to winddirection to optimize the wind entering through intake opening or ramp212. In a preferred embodiment the intake opening 212 in the housing 210operates as a wind intake or scoop and cooperates with one or moreexhaust openings 236 that operate to expel air to optimize air flowthrough the housing as well as to provide pressure to rotate the windgenerator system. Preferably, the intake opening 212 can be opened orclosed by use of a linear displacement potentiometer 238 that cooperateswith the wind speed and direction sensor 230 and a control apparatus,such as that previously described, to increase or decrease the size ofthe intake opening 212 and to properly direct the wind to the retreatingblades and block wind (airflow) from impinging against the advancingblades.

Referring to FIG. 19, in a preferred embodiment of the invention thewind generator system can be used to provide electric power for variousapplications. As an exemplary illustration, such systems can be mountedto a structure or be portable for emergency and/or remote location use.As shown in FIG. 19, a preferred embodiment of the wind generator system100 is illustrated whereby the housing 110, 210, includes stand, rackmounting structures 238 for equipment, such as electrical equipment,battery systems, and the like. In another preferred embodiment, aportion of the exhaust airflow can be diverted, such as by vents orstators, to provide cooling for such equipment.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, another preferred embodiment of theinvention comprises an energy enhancer element 300 in the form of anendless wire or band 302 making a loop and formed from a shaped memorymaterial, such as Nitinol (NiTi). The use of the energy enhancer element300 provides on-demand power through the use of a shaped memory material(SMM). SMM's generally function through some form of electricalstimulation or heating, usually ohmic heating induced by an electriccurrent. The heating of a SMM wire such as Nitinol or other shapedmemory materials such as memory polymers or functional materials, mayalso be used to induce rotational motional in the on-demand energyenhancer element wire or bands that causes the wire or band to return toits original geometry through its metallurgical or physical properties.

In an application, NiTi wire or wires or NiTi coated thin film belt,provides rotational motion which then turns a shaft attached at one endof a spindle assembly rotating an electrical generator such as apermanent magnet DC generator, electrical alternator, electrical motor,servo, solenoid or similar device. In a preferred embodiment, as shown,a spindle assembly 312 comprising a wire or band 302 forming an endlessloop is placed around a first rotating wheel 304, which is electricallycoupled to a heating circuit 305, and a second larger wheel 306 coupledto the drive shaft 102. When increased power is required, such as duringlow wind or no wind conditions, the heating circuit 305 is activatedcausing the first rotating wheel 304 to heat. A portion of the wire orband 302 that is coupled with, such as by direct contact with the firstrotating wheel 304 is thereby heated bringing the memory shaped materialabove its transition temperature thereby creating a temperaturedifferential along the wire or band 302 thereby shortening the heatedside of the wire or band 302 causing rotational force to be applied tothe second larger wheel 306 and drive shaft 102.

Many types of power activated devices including automated systems relyon individual electric motors, servos and alternators (or generators) tooperate. The operation of these systems requires the use of electricalpower. In preferred embodiments of the invention the energy enhancerelement 300 operates to provide such on-demand power for a variety ofpower activated devices 308 such as, but not limited to, small vehicles,construction equipment, space craft, remotely operated vehicles, and avariety of other power activated devices 308 that require individualgenerators, alternators, electric motors, servos and related systems foroperation. It should be understood that by integrating the energyenhancer element 300 into such applications can provide on-demand poweras well as increase power or back-up power to such devices.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the energy enhancer element300 is used for providing electrical power to power activated devices308 such as, but not limited to, those used for orthopedic assistivedevices and prosthetics, wheel chairs, robotic systems and personalrapid transit systems (PRT) vehicles. Such energy enhancer elements 300provide on-demand pointer with low-cost, low-power consumption, andreliable consumable component.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 24,the energy enhancer element 300 is shown in the form of a cartridgecomprising a round, oval or square housing 310 enclosing a spindleassembly 312. Preferably a wire or band 302 forming an endless loop isplaced around a first rotating wheel 304, which is electrically orthermally coupled to an electrical circuit or heating device 305, and asecond larger wheel 306 coupled to the drive shaft 102 that is coupledto an electrical producing device 314, such as a generator, alternator,electric motor or other similar power producing device. It should now beunderstood that the wire or band 302 can also be used to provideelectric current through electrical contactors 307 on the spindleassembly 312 that in turn induces current into the wire or band 302causing ohmic heating thereby inducing rotational motion of the wire orband 302 and in turn causing rotation of drive shaft 102 which iscoupled to the electrical circuit or heating device 305. It should alsobe understood that the electrical circuit or heating device 305 cancreate ohmic heating created such as by use of a battery or otherelectric source such as a wind turbine, micro-hydro generator, solarcell, solar heating systems, or other such electrical source.

In another preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, the energyenhancer element 300 comprises a spindle assembly 312 having a pluralityof wires or bands 302 forming one or more endless loops placed around afirst rotating wheel 304 which is electrically or thermally coupled to aelectrical circuit or heating device 305, and a second wheel 306 coupledto the drive shaft 102 that is coupled to an electric producing device314, such as a generator, alternator, electric motor or other similarpower producing device. As shown, the spindle assembly 312 furtherincludes guides 316 that operate to maintain the separation of theplurality of wire or bands 302. It should now be apparent that the useof a plurality of wires or bands 302 can be used to increase the poweroutput of the energy enhancer element 300. It should also be apparentthat the electrical circuit or heating device 305 can be controlled,such as by conventional switches, to heat one or more of the wires orbands 302 thereby allowing the amount of power being generated to beadjusted.

Referring to FIG. 26, is an exemplary illustration of the energyenhancer element 300 is installed such that it is coupled to an electricmotor, servo, or other electric producing device 314 such as by a shaftto provide back-up, increase power, and/or on-demand power to rotate awheel 317 mounted to a wheel assembly 318 such as that used for avehicle, instrument, robot, or other device 308. As shown, the spindleassembly 312 of the energy enhancer element 300 comprises one or morewires or bands 302 forming an endless loop rotating around a firstrotating wheel 304 and a second wheel 306 as previously described. Thesecond rotating wheel 306 is coupled to the drive shaft 102 of the wheel317.

In another exemplarily illustration of the energy enhancer element 300is shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 whereby the power activated devices 308comprises various components that may be utilized for a satellite 320such as used in space. As shown, in one preferred embodiment the energyenhancer element 300 is coupled to a servo mechanism 315 that isconventionally coupled to a robotic arm 322. In another embodiment theenergy enhancer element 300 is coupled to an activated device 308 suchas an antenna 324 mounted to a drive shaft 102 a. The energy enhancerelement 300 is coupled to the drive shaft 102 a in a manner aspreviously described. In another preferred embodiment the energyenhancer element 300 is coupled to an activated device 308 such as asolar cell array 326 conventionally mounted to a drive shaft 102 b. Theenergy enhancer element 300 is coupled to the drive shaft 102 b in amanner as previously described such that rotation of the loop formed bywires or bands 302 operates to rotate drive shaft 102 b that operates toperform one or more of the functions of the power activated device 308.It should now be apparent that the energy enhancer element 300 canprovide power or enhanced power to operate a variety of power activateddevices. Referring to FIG. 29, the energy enhancer element 300 furtherincludes a electrical circuit or heating device 305 comprising a lens328 thermally coupled to heat sink 330. In a preferred embodiment thelens 328 operates to direct thermal energy, such as solar radiation, toheat the heat sink 330. The heat sink is thermally coupled to thespindle assembly 312 to operate the energy enhancer element 300 aspreviously described.

Referring to FIG. 22, in another preferred embodiment of the windgenerator system 100 further comprises an energy storage system 400.Preferably, the energy storage system 400 is a mechanical energy storagesystem that eliminates the need for batteries and increases theefficiency of the system 100 by reducing loss of electricity such asthrough battery efficiencies and electrical resistance. One such energystorage system 400 is shown comprising a mechanical bellows 402 wherebyrotational energy, such as that produced by rotation of drive shaft 102is transferred such as by a mechanical coupling 404, such as a gearboxor another conventional transfer mechanism, that moves a piston 408 toexpand the bellows 402 to store the rotational energy as potentialenergy within the position of the bellows 402. To retrieve the energy,the bellows 402 is allowed to compress or contract thereby moving thepiston 408 to transfer the energy back through the mechanical coupling404 to rotate the generator assembly 106.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 23,the energy storage system 400 is a hydraulic storage system wherebyrotational energy, such as that produced by rotation of drive shaft 102is transferred such as my a mechanical coupling 404 to a hydrauliccylinder 410 such that a piston 408 operates to transfer fluid 412 froma pressurization reservoir 414 to the hydraulic cylinder 410 to storethe rotational energy as potential energy. To retrieve the energy, thepressurized fluid within the hydraulic cylinder 410 is allowed tocompress or contract thereby moving the piston 408 to transfer theenergy back through the mechanical coupling 404 to rotate the generatorassembly 106.

It should be understood that the energy storage system 400, may compriseany combination of hydraulic systems, bellows systems, and batterysystems. Such systems can be used together or in banks wherebyconventional mechanical switches between individual storage systemsoperate to transfer potential energy between systems.

It should now be understood to those skilled in the art that the windgenerator system of the present application is easily constructed inmodular form thereby reducing the time and cost needed to make repairsto the system. For the use of performance monitors and sensors reducesmaintenance requirements and increases efficiency. Further, the windgenerator system of the present application reduces the likelihood ofdamage resulting from high wind speeds often encountered by small windgenerator systems without the need of relatively complex and expensiveblade pitching devices, airfoil spoilers, blade tip breaks, brakingmeans, and the like.

Further, it should also now be understood to those skilled in the artthat the wind generator system of the present application is relativelyacoustically quiet and aesthetically pleasing making them desirable formany residential applications.

It should also now be understood to those skilled in the art that thewind generator system of the present application can be used in avariety of applications. Systems can be incorporated into the exteriordesign of a structure, such as a building, such as along the roof, or aspart of its landscaping, such as decorative structures. Further systemscan be easily placed at locations having natural wind currents, such asbetween building structures or walls that operate as wind tunnels. Byartistically or architecturally designing the housing, the windgenerator system can be easily incorporated into an existing or futurestructure designs.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail forpurposes of clarity of understandings, it will be apparent that certainchanges and modifications may be practiced within the scope of anyclaims. It should now be apparent that the various embodiments presentedcan be easily modified while keeping within the scope and spirit of thesubject invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that the presentdisclosure is to be considered as exemplary of the principals of theinvention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodimentsand the specific examples illustrated and the invention is not to belimited to the details given herein, but may be modified within thescope and equivalents of the descriptions and examples contained herein.

I claim:
 1. A wind generator system comprising: a rotor mounted to adrive shaft; one or more blades attached to said rotor and extendingradially outwardly from said rotor; a generator assembly coupled to saiddrive shaft and effective for generating electrical power; and a housinghaving an inner chamber for receiving said rotor and said more than onerotating blades, wherein at least one blade is a retreating blade and atleast one blade is an advancing blade; a performance monitor formonitoring the electrical power output of the wind generator system; anda communication and control means coupled to said performance monitorand operates to transmit data to a remote monitoring system.
 2. The windgenerator system of claim 1 whereby said communication and control meansof one wind generator system can communicate with said communication andcontrol means of another wind generator system.
 3. The wind generatorsystem of claim 1 wherein each of said blades comprises an aerodynamicadjustment element for adjusting the aerodynamic characteristic of eachof said blades.
 4. The wind generator system of claim 3 wherein saidaerodynamic element is a thin film substrate.
 5. The wind generatorsystem of claim 3 wherein said aerodynamic element is a metallic coatingsubstrate.
 6. The wind generator system of claim 3 wherein saidaerodynamic element is formed from a shaped memory material.
 7. The windgenerator of claim 1 further comprises an energy enhancer elementcomprising a spindle assembly having a loop and is coupled to said driveshaft; and means for creating a temperature differential along a portionof said loop; wherein said loop is effective for increasing therotational speed of said drive shaft when acted upon by said means forcreating a temperature differential along a portion of said loop.
 8. Thewind generator of claim 7 wherein said loop is formed from a shapedmemory material.
 9. The wind generator system of claim 1 wherein saidblades comprises a photovoltaic substrate operable for generatingelectrical power.
 10. The wind generator system of claim 1 furthercomprising an energy enhancer element for rotating said shaft duringperiods of no wind conditions.
 11. An energy enhancer element forproviding on-demand power for a power activated device, the energyenhancer element comprising: a shaft coupled to the power activateddevice such that rotation of said shaft operates the power activateddevice; a spindle assembly for supporting a wire or band forming anendless loop and wherein said loop engages said shaft such that rotationof said loop rotates said shaft; a electric circuit or heating device iselectrically or thermally coupled to said loop; wherein said wire orband is formed from a shaped memory material; and wherein said electriccircuit or heating device operates to cause rotational movement of saidloop thereby producing rotation of said shaft.
 12. The energy enhancerelement of claim 11 wherein said wire or band is formed from a shapedmemory alloy.
 13. A wind generator system comprising: a rotor mounted toa drive shaft; one or more blades attached to said rotor and extendingradially outwardly from said rotor; a generator assembly coupled to saiddrive shaft and effective for generating electrical power; and a housinghaving an inner chamber for receiving said rotor and said more than onerotating blades, wherein at least one blade is a retreating blade and atleast one blade is an advancing blade; and a mechanical energy storagesystem, wherein said mechanical energy storage system operates to storerotational energy of said drive shaft by converting said rotationalenergy into potential energy stored in said mechanical storage system.14. The wind generator system of claim 13 wherein said mechanical energystorage system comprises a mechanical bellows.
 15. The wind generatorsystem of claim 13 wherein said mechanical energy storage systemcomprises a hydraulic storage system that operates to transferrotational energy to a hydraulic cylinder having a piston that functionsto transfer fluid from a pressurization reservoir to said hydrauliccylinder to store said rotational energy as potential energy.